Tracking historical levels on shares of Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS), we can see that the stock has seen a price decline over the last 52-week period. In the last year, shares have shed -21.57%. Investors will be anxiously watching to see if things will turn around and the stock will start gaining positive momentum over the next few months.

There are many traders who think that proper psychology is one of the most important aspects of becoming successful in the stock market. Traders may need to learn how to become confident while overcoming certain fears and dealing with extreme ups and downs. This may not be easy as individuals all draw off of prior experiences at some level. Being able to convert outside success to the stock market may take some work. Traders who are able to overcome previous bias may be on the right path for having the proper mindset when entering the market.

Investors following Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS) may be tracking where the stock is trading in relation to its 52-week high and low. After a quick look, we see that the stock has recently touched $37.67. At this level, shares can be seen trading -47.11% away from the 52-week high mark and 2.73% off of the 52-week low. Investors often give added attention to a stock when it is closing in on either level.

Looking at past performance for Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS), we note that the stock has moved -0.19% over the last five sessions. Over the previous month, shares have performed -11.43%. If we look back to the start of the calendar year, we see that the stock has performed -31.17%. For the last quarter, the stock has changed -14.44%. Investing in the stock market often includes calculating risk and weighing it against possible reward. Taking on too much risk may put the investor in a tough spot. On the other end, taking on too little risk may not give enough opportunity to achieve previously set goals. Discovering that perfect mix may come with some experience along with some extended time in the market.

Let’s check on some analyst views for Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS). Tallying the individual scores, we note that the consensus recommendation is presently 2.30. This number follows a one to five scale where a one would indicate a buy and a five would indicate a sell. Stock market investing can sometimes become very emotional. Leaving emotions out of the major investing decisions might be tough, but it may end up helping the portfolio in the long run. Nobody wants to see a thoroughly researched stock pick go haywire. Holding onto the hope that a certain stock has to bounce back may lead to future struggles.

After a recent check on Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS), we can see that the current consensus target price is $50.30. Analysts often work hard to analyze stocks that they cover. Because each covering analyst may come to a different conclusion about where shares are headed, investors often look to the consensus number in order to get an overall sense of the outlook.

Active investing may be highly stressful at times. Investors often set up trades with the best intentions, but have the tendency to let too much emotion seep into the situation. When dealing with the emotions of market stress, investors may need to figure out how to keep emotions in check in order to make the right decision. This may come easy to some but much harder for others. Because there is no one right way to trade, investors may have to experience certain scenarios for themselves. Creating a plan from the outset may help the investor when tough decisions need to be made. Keeping cool under pressure is a trait shared by many successful investors. When the investor is focused on a plan or specific trading system, this can make things a bit easier when times get tough.